General information about mini Herefords

In 1969, a breeding program was initiated to develop the miniature Hereford from existing Hereford bloodlines. Selection was based on size, but strict checks were also made for the absence of genetic defects. Miniature Herefords and standard Herefords are genetically identical and are therefore accepted into the standard Hereford studbook.

The goal was threefold: a small cow with high fertility, easy calving and a gentle character.

They are early maturing, excellent grazers and do not require any special supplementary feeding.

Miniature Herefords are hardy and adapt to various environments. They are currently found in more than 30 states in the United States, as well as Canada and Australia. In Europe, miniature Herefords are not yet established and are rather rare.

Two or three can be kept in the same area instead of one modern cow.

The Mini Hereford, with its very gentle character, is an ideal small cattle for the self-sufficient farmer with limited land.

Size of Mini Herefords

HOW BIG DO MINI HEREFORDS GET?

BETWEEN 43 AND 47 INCHES ==> BETWEEN 110 CM AND 120 CM

This is the most common. It's most commonly offered in the US, where the emphasis is primarily on meat production.

BETWEEN 39 AND 43 INCHES ==> BETWEEN 100 CM AND 110 CM

It's a bit more difficult to find.

Our breeding is currently in this group.

SMALLER THAN 39 INCHES ==> SMALLER THAN 100 CM

Very rare.

This category is considered somewhat inferior by the renowned miniature Hereford breeders in the USA because of their lower economic (=meat) value.

ATTENTION:

Bulls do not reach full maturity until they are 4 years old.

The cows are 3 years old and remain slightly smaller anyway.

Our

breed standard

Our breed - standard

We strive for animals that meet the following conditions or come as close as possible to them:

Size: Bull maximum 115 cm - cow maximum 110 cm

Genetically hornless (homozygous)

Drawing: White head (eyeliners allowed)

Brown body (with dorsal stripe on neck)

White on belly and legs

Robust construction

Free from genetic defects after DNA test

Registered in the American Hereford Association (AHA) studbook or another recognized Hereford studbook.